Physical Therapist Assistant

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

The Center for Elders’ Independence is a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly) organization that uses an interdisciplinary team approach to care planning and care implementation for the purpose of providing high quality, affordable, integrated health care services to the elderly, including an Adult Day Health Center, and promoting autonomy, quality of life and the ability of individuals to live in their communities.

The Position: Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, carries out physical therapy participant programs, assists in planning and revising program services, provides teaching to participants, caregivers and staff. Assist Physical Therapist in the daily scheduling of rehab services in ADHC. Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team.

The hourly pay range for the Physical Therapist Assistant position at Center for Elders’ Independence is $31.00 to $46.50 per hour. Placement within the range is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data, consistent with CEI’s annual compensation review and established compensation practices.

DUTIES

(Primary duties and responsibilities – may not include all of the duties assigned)

Provides physical therapy treatment and other services in the participant care plan under the supervision of the physical therapist.

Elicits continuing information from and about participants regarding existing skills, equipment and/or changes in the above. Communicates findings to the physical therapist on a timely basis.

Assist the physical therapist in planning and revising program services for individual participants and for the program as a whole.

Fulfills company documentation requirements, including medical charting.

Under the supervision of the physical therapist, teaches participants and caregivers approved techniques and approaches to facilitate safe functioning and to implement home rehab recommendations.

Under the supervision of the physical therapist, teaches Day Center aides approved techniques to maximize participant safety and functioning at the ADHC.

Participates in meeting and care conferences as assigned by physical therapist and makes contributions appropriate to their level of training and expertise.

Assists in maintaining departmental systems of equipment management, including Durable Medical Equipment for participants.

Under the supervision of the physical therapist, guides and directs rehab aides in carrying out rehab programs services and activities.

Follows all CEI Policies and Procedures, OSHA safety guidelines.

Maintains the confidentiality of all company procedures, results, and information about participants, clients or families.

Handles potentially infectious specimens with appropriate biohazard precautions, and practices Universal precautions.

Maintains a courteous, helpful and professional attitude on the job. Displays a willingness and ability to be responsive in a warm and caring manner to all customer groups. Consistently cooperates and supports organization in problem solving issues. Ensures customer satisfaction by understanding and applying the Customer Service Policy, Procedure and Standards. Will support the success of the entire healthcare team.

Maintains safe working environment. Follows CEI Safety Policies and Procedures.

Participates in company continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings. Maintains any required certifications.

Performs other duties as required or requested in a positive and helpful manner to ensure a smooth running work area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an APTA accredited Physical Therapist Assistance program, with associate degree in Physical Therapy.

Understands and accepts the California Physical Therapy Practice Act as it applies to the role of Physical Therapist Assistant in a California health care setting.

One-two years of health care experience, with geriatric population preferred.

Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with participants, co-workers, medical staff, and the public.

Skilled in identifying and recommending problem resolution.

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and with minimum daily interactions with other therapists and assistants.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and written.

Current California Drivers License and reliable transportation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements.- Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Requires standing, walking, pushing, bending, kneeling and reaching at arm’s length and overhead in clinic, day center, rehab department and in community for prolonged periods of time. Must have reliable transportation and be able to make home visits with Durable Medical Equipment to participants who live in non-handicapped accessible dwellings. May also be required to perform occasional rehab errands. Requires the ability to use and adjust Durable Medical Equipment appropriately. Requires the ability to lift/carry up to 75 pounds and push or pull objects exceeding 150 pounds, using appropriate body mechanics.

Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements.- Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Must be able to document care provided in service records of department. Must be able to communicate verbally with participants their treatment plan, team members and participants caregivers at appropriate level of knowledge. Ability to present skills and abilities to participants, caregivers, and other staff.

Pressure Factor.- Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled appointments while dealing with frail and confused participants. Subject to participants that may have the potential for verbal or physical aggression.

Environmental Conditions.- May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and any other conditions common in a clinic environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.

The above job description is intended to communicate the general function of the mentioned position and by no means shall be considered an exhaustive or complete outline of the specific tasks and functions that will be required. CEI reserves the right to change job descriptions, site assignments, and or work hours as required by the needs of the program. All employees are expected to perform their duties within their ability as required by the job and/or as requested by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.